Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Built in Dravidian architectural style, it is known for its towering 37-meter gopuram, sculpted pillars and large temple tank. The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams and is a major religious and cultural landmark of Chennai, attracting devotees and visitors throughout the year.

Visitors can expect a large Dravidian-style temple complex with a colorful eastern gopuram, pillared halls, shrines to Shiva as Kapaleeswarar and Parvati as Karpagambal, and a spacious courtyard. The temple tank lies opposite the main entrance. The surroundings include busy Mada streets with shops selling flowers and offerings. Visitors can observe daily rituals, explore sculpted mandapams, and experience a lively devotional atmosphere, especially during festivals.

The original temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas in the 7th century near the coast and was later destroyed. The present structure at Mylapore was rebuilt in the 16th century during the Vijayanagara period, with later contributions. It is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical works and is counted among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Dedicated to Shiva as Kapaleeswarar and Parvati as Karpagambal, the temple is a major center of Tamil Shaivism. It is revered by the Nayanmars and hosts important festivals such as Brahmotsavam, Arubathimoovar, and Navratri, which reflect Tamil religious traditions, music, and processional culture of Mylapore.